Celts playing it safe with Young

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Boston Celtics rookie James Young was not expected to participate in Thursday's on-court workout as the team's summer squad engaged in its final practice before departing for Orlando. And while Young's participation in the upcoming five-game summer slate remains uncertain, coach Brad Stevens stressed that his neck issues are minor and the team is exercising extreme caution in limiting his activity.

James Young is "probably more week-to-week than day-to-day," according to coach Brad Stevens. Jeyhoun Allebaugh/NBAE/Getty Images

Young injured his neck during a minor car accident last month and cancelled his remaining pre-draft workouts. The Celtics selected him at No. 17 in last week's draft, but he hasn't been able to engage in contact drills this week.

"He did some more stuff [Wednesday], as far as non-contact on the bike. I think he’ll continue to do some of that stuff today," said Stevens. "But I haven’t been given a timeline on [his return to contact activities]. Obviously, hey, he was in a car accident a couple weeks ago, it’s summer league, we want to be very, very smart about this with him.

"He’s anxious to play, he’s antsy, he wants to. But at the same time, I want to be cognizant of the big picture.

Pressed on if the team considers the neck issue a short-term injury, Stevens added an emphatic, "Yes. No question."

Young and some of his summer teammates ventured out to Fenway Park on Wednesday night and sat atop the Green Monster for a game against the Chicago Cubs.